6th Grade Update: May 30, 2017

6th Grade Update: May 30, 2017

Posted on 05/30/2017

In science, the 6th graders prepare to complete their intensive ecosystem studies by completing a claims/evidence/reasoning research paper that analyses an unstable ecosystem, with species data, population graphing, and food web dynamics as our primary sources of evidence. As a final project, students are developing digital infographics that propose a solution to stabilize the unstable ecosystem. Following their final Life Science project, we will have a brief Earth Science unit that investigates what shapes the world around us.

In ELA, students have been studying the causes and effects of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. They have analyzed informational articles as well as eyewitness accounts to prepare to write their own newspaper article to determine the impact of the natural disaster.

In math, students are preparing themselves for MCAS, as it is approaching on June 5th. Students have been familiarizing themselves with the MCAS reference sheets. Students are also wrapping up their understanding of all their math strands. Specifically, they are sharpening their understanding of algebraic expressions and the number system. We encourage students to use ixl.com on their free time if they need to sharpen skills in any strand to be best prepared for MCAS.

In social studies, students are working on their final DBQ (document based question) of the year. They are writing about how the Nile River shaped civilization in ancient Egypt. This will be the final assessment/ project of our Egypt unit and we will close out the year studying ancient Greece.

In preparation for the MCAS, this past week, students participated in a math skills boot camp day. They reviewed and practices specific strands and concepts that they felt they needed to practice.

Announcements The last town hall will be held on May 18th and will focus on the core values of balance and perseverance. To celebrate the end of the year, 6th graders will be going on a field trip to Kimball Farms in Westford, MA on June 19th. Fifth graders will be visiting PAUS on May 26th. They will have a tour of the building and experience a mini day in the life of a 6th grader at our school.